Purpose of Load and Shift Test: To test if there is an (anterior or posterior) instability of the glenohumeral joint. Patient position: Sitting with the affected arm supported on the patient’s lap over a pillow; or Supine lying. Examiner position: Standing beside the patient, near the affected shoulder. Procedure: Stabilize the patient’s scapula using one hand and grasp the head of the humerus bone using … Continue reading Load and Shift Test
A neurodynamic test checks the length, mobility and mechanical sensitivity of the neurological tissues (1). For a neurodynamic test to be positive, the limb/joint positioning sequence should reproduce the patient’s symptoms associated with radiculopathy along with/without a measurable asymmetry between left and right sides. A positive neurodynamic test indicates multiple pathogeneses, which may include increased tension in the dura mater and the nerves, compression on … Continue reading Neurodynamic Assessment
Purpose of Brachial Plexus Tension Test: To determine if there are neurologic symptoms when the arms are abducted and laterally rotated. Patient position: Sitting upright with back unsupported and with arms beside the trunk. Examiner position: Standing behind the patient. Procedure: This test is performed in a few steps: (1) The patient raises both arms sideways and then externally rotates the arms until neurologic symptoms … Continue reading Brachial Plexus Tension Test
Purpose of Brachial plexus compression test: To determine if applying direct compression to the brachial plexus causes radiating symptoms, suggesting mechanically elicitable cervical spine lesions. Patient position: Sitting upright or lying supine. Examiner position: Standing behind while the patient is sitting; Standing on the head side while the patient is lying supine. Procedure: Apply compression directly on the brachial plexus using the fingers or thumb. Outcome: The test … Continue reading Brachial Plexus Compression Test
Purpose of Cervical distraction test is : To determine if radicular symptoms alleviate on applying traction to the cervical spine. To identify the presence of cervical radiculopathy among patients with upper quadrant pain. Patient Position: Sitting upright, Supine. Examiner Position: Beside the patient, Standing at the patient’s head side. Procedure: Place one hand on the chin and another hand on the occiput. Carefully apply distraction force cephalad. Ask … Continue reading Cervical distraction test
